Story Originally from the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=mkx&storyid=85310&source=0

The persistent hot and dry conditions from June through mid July have resulted in much of southern Wisconsin being upgraded to Extreme Drought Conditions (D3). Milwaukee and Madison and points south, as well as areas including the Dells, Pardeeville and Beaver Dam are now considered to be in the Extreme Drought conditions, upgraded from Severe Drought conditions (D2) last week. The extreme drought will likely result in major crop or pasture losses (see below). Water shortages and usage restrictions may become widespread.Severe Drought Conditions (D2) have been expanded northward to include almost all of Marquette, Green Lake, and Fond du Lac counties, as well as northern Sauk, southern Sheboygan, and northern Ozaukee counties. A severe drought is likely to result in some crop and pasture losses. It may result in water restrictions as well.You may be wondering why drought conditions have been reported to worsen one day after the region saw its first widespread and heavy rainfall in over a month. The Drought Monitor products are developed on a weekly basis, using data available up to Tuesday. The product is compiled and becomes available on Thursday. Wednesday's storm and rain event was therefore not included in this week's report. However, though a large portion of the Wisconsin areas in the Extreme Drought category received well over 1 inch of rain with the event, the region has been deprived of so much rainfall (yearly totals 6 or 7 inches below normal) that even heavy thunderstorm rains will not fully alleviate the drought. Some improvement in overall conditions is possible, but cannot be guaranteed. It is important to remember that heavy rain can fall so quickly that the ground is not able to absorb all of it, and some remains ponded on the ground where it may evaporate before soaking in. In urban areas, some may run off into storm drains and sewers instead of going right into the soil.The warm temperatures and low relative humidities expected across southern Wisconsin this weekend will certainly not help provide any additional relief. The chance for showers and thunderstorms on Sunday will not have much impact on the status of the drought. Coverage will be spotty and amounts generally much too small to help significantly.The Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions persist across central Wisconsin, in a band from Buffalo and Trempealeau counties eastward to southern Marathon County and then into the Green Bay metro area. Abnormally dry conditions indicate short-term dryness slowing planting and growth of crops or pastures.

From June 1st through July 17th, Milwaukee and Madison were 4.27 and 6.60 inches below their normal values (i.e., the current deficit), respectively. Of which, in that time period Milwaukee received 1.71 inches of rain and Madision received 0.32 inches of rain. The graph below shows the observed running accumulation total for Milwaukee and Madison since June 1st compared to their normal values, initialized to zero.

The warm bubble of high pressure which brought the hot temperatures to southern Wisconsin earlier this month is poised to return to the area today and Tuesday, July 17th. This warm high pressure area has remained anchored over the southern and central U.S. since late June, and is showing no signs of weakening anytime soon.

Today, a warm front over central Wisconsin will move northward as warm south to southwest winds increase across southern Wisconsin. These winds will push hot air back into southern Wisconsin with increased relative humidities. Scattered thunderstorms are expected along and north of the front, mainly tonight, across northern Wisconsin.

Below is a look at the high temperatures through Wednesday. Notably, today and tomorrow are anticipated to be our hottest days in south central and southeast Wisconsin. High temperatures are expected to reach the 95 to 102 range. Heat index values will peak in the 98 to 106 range. A Heat Advisory has been issued for noon today through Tuesday evening.

The persistent hot and dry conditions from June through early July have resulted in much of southern Wisconsin being upgraded to Severe Drought Conditions (D2). Milwaukee and Madison are now considered to be in the Severe Drought conditions, upgraded from Moderate Drought conditions (D1) last week. A severe drought will likely result in crop or pasture losses. Water shortages may become common, and water restrictions may be imposed.Moderate Drought Conditions (D1) have been expanded northward to include almost all of Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac and Sauk counties. A moderate drought will result in some damage to crops and pastures. It may result in water shortages, low streams, reservoirs and wells. Voluntary water-use restrictions may be requested. Unfortunately only small chances for rain is in the forecast for this weekend. The continued warm temperatures and low relative humidity will help to worsen the drought even more. The Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions persist across central Wisconsin, all the way up to Wisconsin Rapids and just south of Waupaca. Abnormally dry conditions indicate short-term dryness slowing planting and growth of crops or pastures.

Wisconsin Severe Weather

Wisconsin severe weather is a webpage where you can find weather info for Wisconsin.